Labour call for Sadiq and Zac to be consulted over Met Commissioner’s future

Sir Bernard’s contract is expected to be extended in the coming weeks.Labour have called on the Home Secretary to include the two frontrunners to replace Boris Johnson in the decision on whether to re-appoint Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.

It’s been reported that the Mayor has recommended extending Sir Bernard’s contract for a further 12 months when it runs out this summer.

The final decision will be taken by Home Secretary Theresa May who is required to “have regard” for the Mayor’s views.

Appearing before the London Assembly on Thursday, deputy mayor for policing Stephen Greenhalgh confirmed that Mr Johnson made a recommendation on Sir Bernard’s future last week but declined to say what that recommendation was.

The Commissioner’s role is one of the biggest within the agencies overseen by the mayor, with the occupant having to work closely with City Hall to deliver the mayor’s policing commitments.

With Mr Johnson leaving office in May, sources in Labour say Mrs May should be talking to their candidate, Sadiq Khan, and Tory rival Zac Goldsmith before making a final decision.

The Met role would be second big post filled in the build up to the election following the appointment of Mike Brown as transport commissioner last September.